Archive for the ‘Fashion’ Category
What Your Gym Gear Says About You
| September 8, 2015 7:30 am |
Coachella Fever
| April 22, 2011 1:37 am |Coachella Fever
Music lovers all over the world gathered at the desert lands of Indio, California for the famous music event called Coachella this past Friday. With over 200,000 attendees and 90 different artists over a 3-day period, Coachella is one of the most popular music events of the year. Temperatures can rise up to 90 degrees, making the fashion at this event minimal but still stylish, nonetheless. Most choose to camp out overnight on the premises while some rent houses and get hotel rooms with friends in nearby areas. I actually spent the weekend in a neighboring city (Palm Springs) and got to witness some of the cool Coachella fashion.
Some of my favorite outfits included high waist denim cut-offs and other shorts, floor length skirts, printed summer dresses and jumpers. Popular tops were tanks, knitted sweaters, old rocker tees, and bandeaus all in various prints, lightweight fabrics, and muted desert colors. These outfits were occasionally paired with floppy hats, and fedoras and other various hat styles. Comfortable shoes such as sandals, booties, cowboy boots, and stylish flats were everywhere. (Stages can be over a mile apart) Accessories tended to be of the more natural look, made of wood, stones, and other vintage looking materials. Bathing suits are obviously a staple item here, along with a pair of oversized retro glasses.( see my previous article for popular sunglass styles). Large totes, satchels, and mini back-packs were the bags of choice. As day turned into night, these outfits mostly stayed the same, but with added jean jackets, shawls, and cardigans.
The overall feel of Coachella really reminds me of a modern day Woodstock, with tons of beautiful vintage pieces everywhere and lots of muted desert colors. It must be a unifying feeling, camping out and experiencing ones favorite musicians along with tons of thousands of other people. And from everyone that attends every year, I hear nothing but positive things and awesome stories that will be remembered for a lifetime. You can definitely count me in for next years desert adventure!
-Sasha Kiyoka
( photos from elle.com and refinery29.com)
Sunglasses: Rad in Retro
| April 15, 2011 2:10 am |Rad in Retro
Sunglasses, what would we do without them? They stylishly keep the sun out of our eyes, and more importantly, help hide our faces after those long, crazy nights that you will never forget (or cant seem to remember). As you all may or may not know, everything in fashion recycles itself over time and right now the most trendy of people are rocking the following retro styles.
The Wayfarer (Unisex): Originated by Ray-Ban in 1952, these glasses have become a staple item for ‘cool’ kids everywhere by being possibly the #1 best selling sun glass design in history.
The Aviator (Unisex): Received their name due to the similarities to flying goggles. The original Aviators attempted to cover the full range of the human eye but variations have been flooding the market since their beginning.
I call this one the Round Eye, though there is no specific name for it. Think of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This particular photo is of a women’s style by Alexandra Cassaniti and RAEN Optics but there are other variations for men as well, like the photo below made by the Row for Linda Farrow (Totally John Lennon style).
Those these styles may seem outlandish and a little strange to some, this quirky-ness is very much in style right now. Try giving your current stunner shades a break and rock something different for a change J Who knows, you might actually like it!
-Sasha Kiyoka
History of High Heels
| April 8, 2011 8:31 am |High heels, stilettos, wedges, pumps… choose your weapon, but they all scream sexy in a way that I have never really been able to grasp completely. Today, this fashion staple has given women a sense of power, sexuality, and sophistication. Fair warning, please note that this article may be a tad bias considering my love for heels. (Add my facebook page to see photos of my calf tattoo dedicated to my obsession) Anyways, the concept of the ‘high heel’ has been around for centuries, and didn’t always have such a sexy appeal…
We can give credit to the Egyptians for originating the whole concept of high heels. Murals going back to 3500B.C. depict an early version of at type of platform shoe worn by royalty and those of wealth…as well as the butchers, to help them maneuver around the bodies of the animals ( eww! ) During the middle ages this same concept was used to keep both men and women’s legs clean of mudd and other debris that accumulated in the poorly cleaned streets. In the 1400s they were called chopines, and were worn exclusively by women and used cork or wood for the heel .The Venetians evolved the chopine into a symbol of wealth and social standing for females. The 1500s gave birth to the “rider’s heel” used to give stability in the stirrups of a saddle ( kind of like the cowboy boot )
Catherine de Medici popularized a more stylish version of the riding heel that had a thinner heel. Five foot nothing Catherine de Medici wasn’t considered very pretty, and when she realized that her fiance ( The Duke of Orleans) had an extremely tall mistress who he was fascinated with, she decided to take action. She razzle-dazzled the French people with her newfound physique, and height. Mary Tudor or “Bloody Mary” and King Louis XIV were also royalty who showed interest in this high heel fashion. Marie Antoinette actually wore 2 inch heels to her execution, despite the banishment of them in 1791 by Napoleon.
Up until 1860, large heels were not popular and the growth of smaller more comfortable heeled shoes proceeded. The invention of the sewing machine obviously caused a boom in high heel history, making them much easier to produce. Though many viewed these heels as aristocratic and beneficial to health, there were those who considered heels sexually aggressive and called them “poisoned hooks”.
Thank goodness high heels have remained in fashion since then, with variations of all sorts that all women, AND MEN, can enjoy 🙂 Now for the question of the week….keep them on or take them off ; ) ?
– Sasha Kiyoka
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising FIDM 2011 Spring Fashion Show
| April 2, 2011 9:17 am |Where better than at a fashion school to find some of the worlds future designers? The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles puts on a yearly spring fashion show that showcases some of the most creative and inspired pieces the school helped produce.This show attracts over 10,000 people in a period of 3 days and showcases the designs of students in FIDM’s Theater Costume Design and Fashion Design Advanced Programs along with work from the digital media, textile and Interior Design students.
This year the event took place on Friday March 18th at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, California. This beautiful 35,000 square foot location has played an important part in handfuls of major events here in southern California. The same show was shown each day, but different audiences were allowed on particular days. Day two ( Friday, March 18th, 2011) was the day that the current students (like myself) could come watch.
The event started up with the fabulous Nick Verreos, who is actually one of the Fashion Design teachers at FIDM ( I have seen him walking around the L.A. campus) walking the runway. For those who don’t know who that is, he is a former designer on Bravo’s Project Runway, a design show. He introduces a couple of his own dresses from his spring line and then the show actually begins. The first designer is a womens’ wear designer who was inspired by the beauty of sea sponges. He used a lightly color palette with some fun contrasting prints and overall has a very pretty feminine look and feel to his work. Ari Isoda was on the opposite end of the spectrum. Her pieces reflected her background in architecture and consisted of bold lines, prints, and colors. Next up was Pam Mbanga’s wild menswear collection which was said to be inspired by British tailoring and African textures and prints. Another menswear designer names Alexandra Paulus’ showed a few colorful and fun pieces inspired by the Edwardian Era. FIDM’s very first fashion collection for young boys was shown by Kamelia Stojanikova, you can see her inspiration from various 1930s looks. Very last but not least was Hualei Sun, A Chinese girl who used female characters in video games as her muse. Her dresses were beautifully crafted and had a soft, dreamy feel to it.
It is so refreshing to see all these hardworking fresh faces emerging into the industry and really gaining the attention and respect they deserve. Who knows, the next Alexander McQueen could be amongst the fashion students of this generation. It really satisfys my soul knowing that these students have a chance to strut their stuff at FIDM and am looking forward to seeing new designs in the years to come.
-Sasha Kiyoka
Dior Fires Head Designer John Galliano
| March 25, 2011 1:58 am |Creativity just oozes from this designers mind, with his outrageous headpieces, over-exaggerated silhouettes, and elegantly acute attention to detail. John Galliano has been dreaming up some of the most innovative and intricate designs this decade has seen for the House of Dior since 1997.
Being one of my favorite designers, I was shocked to hear that Christian Dior had fired Galliano from his position as head designer at Dior earlier this month. Even more shocking was the reasoning behind it. Word got out that Galliano had rudely made anti-semitic comments to a customer in a Paris bar, late last month. He was immediately suspended. Soon after, two actual videos of him praising Hitler emerged from Paris citizens. In a video from last December, he yelled “I love Hitler…People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers would all be fucking gassed.” to a group of Italian women.
John denies all allegations through his lawyer and did have fellow designer Patricia Field side with him saying “It’s theater… It’s farce. But people in fashion don’t recognize the farce in it. All of a sudden they don’t know him. But it’s OK when it’s Mel Brooks The Producers singing ‘Springtime for Hitler”
If he is found guilty, Galliano could face up to 6 months in jail or paying over $30,000 in fines. Understanding of past artists, it is typical that with such immense levels of creativity comes slight madness. Unfortunately for Galliano, he has to be held accountable for his actions just as everybody else would. As of right now, John is suspected to be at a rehabilitation facility and Christian Dior is on the prowl for a new head designer. Though he may have deserved to loose his position with Dior, it does not change the fact that Galliano still remains one of the top designers in the world, as well as one my favorites, and I hope that Dior’s new addition won’t be a disappointment.
-Sasha Kiyoka
Welcome Sasha Kiyoka
| March 22, 2011 9:20 am |The EvilStar Family welcomes Sasha Kiyoka as our newest member. Sasha is our new Fashion writer, its her job to keep us upto date with the latest trends. Check her Fashion Friday articles to keep yourself looking good and relavent.
Read her full bio here.
Dress for an Interview
| January 26, 2011 12:47 am |How many of you scribbled “new job” on some bar napkin during the holidays? With the New Year rolling out, it’s (very) likely you’ve been contemplating a new job. The job market hasn’t gotten less competitive and, while we wouldn’t dare suggest that a better-looking wardrobe is the answer to that scribble, we do believe in the power of looking the part.
luckily for you, we also believe that style doesn’t cost all that much.
Case in point: We’ve seen countless men fall victim to the heuristic that designer label = style. Wrong. If you’ve coughed up the bank for a designer suit but it fits like it’s off-the-rack, you’ve failed. People’s impression of your style has more to do with how your wardrobe fits and flatters your body, how you combine things in unique, eye-pleasing ways and your overall taste level – that has little to do with the label sewn in on your blazer.
Step one involves identifying what industry you’re targeting. You may be stressed out by how much a new suit will run you, but if you’re looking at creative-type jobs, say, graphic design, a full-on suit isn’t required. Your better off crafting a “look” depending on the industry you’re in.
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The First Lady of Fashion
| December 8, 2010 10:31 am |Michelle Obama has brought back Hollywood to the White House. For years we have missed the glamour in the White House. Fortunately for us Michelle Obama came into office with her Calvin Klein Oscar De La Renta, Isabel Toledo, and Nina Ricie. She favors chic suites in bright colors and sleeveless dress to show off her tones arms. She has appeared in Vanity Fair’s best dressed list several times and we all salute her.
Michelle Obama has returned our nations fashion icon back to the office. With all eyes on the office at all times, the leading lady needs to be looking and demonstrating her best. Women today have lost their sense of femininity and/ or sense of self respect. Michelle is helping us get back in to the groove of the classic, feminine clothing, to dress and feel like a women. Thank you Michelle Obama for bring back fashion into the political world.
Karl Lagerfeld at Macy’s
| November 29, 2010 1:43 am |The news is out! November 23rd Karl Lagerfeld was announced to be the third designer in a new designer series of collaborations at Macy’s. Whatever Karl decides to design for Macy’s the cost of the garments will be significantly less then he has ever done before. Although Lagerfeld was the first to design for H&M, this is a new fashion vehicle to conquer. Li & Fung, a licensing firm based out of Hong Kong that represents many other labels such as; Rachel Zoe and Jennifer Lopez’s line at Kohl’s, will be handling licensing for Karl Lagerfeld at Macy’s as well.
It is always refreshing to hear a loved and adored designer is going to create a line that everyone can purchase. This economical downfall has given us the opportunity to take advantage of the crisis and create clothing at affordable prices for the average Joe. Although some would argue that the designer is losing their exclusivity when creating a line anyone can buy. In all reality, it’s smart. Who wouldn’t want a garment created by a genius that has single handedly created the world’s best garments for Chanel and Fendi. The average Joe deserves to enjoy the fruits of fashion as well. Karl’s line is to hit stores next fall. Make sure you keep an eye out.
Melissa
Kim Kardashian Wears Fur
| November 16, 2010 10:37 pm |November 1st 2010 Kim Kardashian was spotted court side at the Miami Heat vs. New Jersey Nets game and in a risqué garment. Although Kim is known for unique and classy style of dress, this garment took her fashion to a new level. Wearing all black with custom made knee high boots and single long sleeved fur garment. Like Joan River’s stated on Fashion Police, we are surprised PETA hasn’t thrown paint at Kim.
I love fur, and the beauty that comes along with garments. I am neither pro nor against the fur industry and their ways of obtaining fur. I do believe cruelty to animals is not acceptable, but fur has been a main source of clothing for centuries. There is nothing wrong with wearing fur, but you should feel guilty for wearing a useless garment that would only be worn once. Fur is status statement of wealth and beauty, and by the looks of it, Kim is stating that she doesn’t care and will wear something foolish no matter what the cost is. Kim, I love you and your amazing style, but I definitely do not agree with this garment. She should have re-thought this fur piece.
Melissa
Hamilton Ventura
| November 11, 2010 1:50 am |The iconic Ventura stands out as Hamilton’s both most aesthetically pleasing and popular watch. Featuring an imbalanced triangular case with some sleek aerodynamic touches, it defines fashion and avant guard; Elvis Presley himself wore this watch in his Blue Hawaii movie – one of the first true celebrities to bestow his attention upon Hamilton watches. More recent names include Bruce Willis, Russel Crowe, and Chris Rock.
The Ventura collection offers a surprising variety when it comes to sizes, materials, and movement. Timepieces come equipped with either automatic or quartz calibers (including quartz chronograph), in sizes ranging from 13 to 21 mm, and adorned with PVD or mother-of-pearl. Lizard and leather straps or flex steel bracelets support the cases: Hamilton introduced a rare two-tone strap to echo the dial&case design, and create a matching pattern.
Ventura ladies watches differ both in size and color: considerably smaller, they habitually inject the usually black palette with lighter (often silver or gold) tones, and sometimes modify it altogether. Mother-of-pearl substitutes the sombre – though expressive – black face, projecting a softer attitude and spirit. The protruding crowns play an important role in balancing the asymmetrical lugs and ensuring general design integrity.
Ladies and men’s Ventura watches resist water up to 50 meters and feature Hamilton standard mineral.
Mens Spring/Summer 2011 Collection
| November 1, 2010 1:24 am |Donatella Versace’s new men’s collection for next spring takes us back to the late 1950s when the music scene was dominated by the likes of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. She created a collection made up of single and double-breasted suits,pointy two-coloured shoes and fringed leather jackets.